The literature review explored the role of coping and adaptation in unaccompanied minors (UAM’s) living in western countries. The review highlighted seven studies, although one study was excluded from the synthesis stage due to poor quality. A thematic synthesis (Thomas & Harden, 2008) found internal and external resources, and bi-cultural identity development, as important in coping and adaptation in UAM’s. Future research is needed to both broaden the understanding of coping in UAM’s and to explore these themes in further detail.
The research study explored the role of coping and adaptation in Afghan UAM’s living in the UK. Participants took photographs of things that had helped them to cope and this formed the basis of qualitative interviews. The transcripts were analysed using a thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). The findings highlighted three themes as important in the participants’ experiences, ‘Acculturation’. ‘Success’ and ‘Growing Pains’. The findings were discussed in the context of existing research, recommendations for clinical practice and future research.
Finally, a personal account of the researcher’s reflections on the research process can be found in the critical appraisal.